“Stop the AIDS Quarantine Committee” was formed in response to Proposition 64, an initiative on the California ballot in November 1986. This initiative, created by a group called the “Prevent AIDS Now Initiative Committee (PANIC),” sought to establish concentration camps for those living with AIDS in order to segregate them from the community. Pushed forward by bigoted politician Lyndon LaRouche, Prop 64 contradicted generally accepted scientific knowledge and public policy regarding both public protection from AIDS and the rights of people living with AIDS.
The initiative was denounced by public health officials, the California Medical Association, and the California Nurses Association. Had Proposition 64 passed, it was expected to escalate discrimination without medical justification, even against those merely suspected of having AIDS. This would have led to massive costs for the government in monitoring and registering “AIDS suspects” and would have driven up welfare expenses for those able to work but who had lost their jobs due to discrimination.
Future AIDS Healthcare Foundation founders Michael Weinstein and Chris Brownlie joined with friends and advocates to defeat this initiative, which was gaining traction with California voters. They organized a torchlit march to Lyndon LaRouche’s headquarters, delivering a clear message of resilience. An estimated 2,000 Prop 64 opponents marched by twos past LaRouche’s offices. Public figures including Patty Duke, president of the Screen Actors Guild; Rabbi Allen Freehling of the Interfaith Council; Jackie Goldberg of the LA School Board; and Wayne Johnson, president of United Teachers of Los Angeles, showed their vehement support.
Through the tenacity and grit of the Stop the AIDS Quarantine Committee, Proposition 64 was resoundingly defeated.
1986 flyer calling for a march against Proposition 64 and AIDS quarantine camps
With that success, the committee turned to address the growing issues within LA County affecting those with HIV and AIDS. Michael Weinstein and Chris Brownlie ultimately focused on housing for individuals in the late stages of AIDS. After significant advocacy and pressure, AHF opened its first hospice (and the first AIDS hospice in LA County) in 1988.
Another flyer calling for a march against Proposition 64
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